Early August in the Back Gardens
As we move into August, the spring and early summer varieties are no longer flowering and are setting seed. For some of these, we deadhead and try for a late summer short blooming period. For some, the plants go into dormancy. We collect seed from a few.
In the first week of August many perennials were still in bloom in the back yard, and a few are featured here – clematis (Clematis viticella), goldenrod (Solidago sp.), perennial sweet pea (Lathyrus latifolius), phlox, coneflowers (Rudbeckia hirta), montbretia (Crocosmia aurea), beebalm (Mondarda sp.), and stonecrop (Sedum sp.).
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We also grow a few annuals too. Featured here are nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), gazania (Gazania rigens sp.), marigolds (Tagetes sp.), scarlet runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus), African daisy, and moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora).
We are always amazed by moss rose. It blooms steadily for many weeks, right up to the time of cool weather.
- It is a succulent in the portulaca family.
- Other names are moss rose, rock rose, Mexican rose, sun rose, eleven o’clock, and others.
- It is fast growing and usually grows to about 20cm. The leaves are thick and fleshy.
- They feature rose-shaped flowers. Hybrids may have double flowers and a variety of colours.
- they can be placed in rock crevices, or around paving stones.
- The require a sunny and drier location.
- Plants may self-seed. We collect seed for the following late spring planting period.
The front yard is almost all perennials and shrubs and a mid-August post will feature those still in bloom.